Upper Division Students
After the first year, students are responsible for securing a position for each academic year. Students should go to Handshake, the official posting site for all Work College positions, to search current openings.
Once a student is selected for a position, the supervisor submits a Status Form on the student's behalf. The student is then expected to review and approve the form so that it can be processed by the Program Office.
Once a position is confirmed in the Banner system, students are expected to remain in that position and contribute meaningfully to it, though they are no longer universally required to stay for the full academic year. Some departments or positions may require a longer commitment based on the nature of the work, the training involved, or programmatic needs; these expectations are communicated clearly during onboarding and in the position description itself. Students who wish to change positions mid-year may do so by following the Position Change Process, which requires approval before any transition begins.
Securing a New Position
All departments maintain position descriptions that outline the work performed, learning opportunities, and desired qualifications. Current openings are posted in Handshake, where students can view descriptions, learn how to apply, and find contact information for follow-up.
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For Supervisors |
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• Search Handshake for current openings and review the position description and application instructions.
• Seek guidance from your academic adviser, current supervisor, the Work College Program, or the Office of Career Development.
• Follow the application steps listed in the posting, which may include a department-specific application and a resume.
• Prepare for the interview process just as you would for an off-campus job.
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• Ensure all position descriptions are current and accurately reflect duties, learning opportunities, and qualifications.
• Post openings in Handshake with clear application instructions and contact information.
• Follow a hiring process similar to off-campus jobs, including reviewing applications, interviewing candidates, checking references, and making offers.
• Use interview questions tailored to your department, and the work-learning experience.
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Tip: Treat the process as a professional experience. This approach helps supervisors find the right candidate and prepares students for future employment opportunities.
For additional guidance on the contracting students or interview process, contact the Work College Program.
Retaining an Existing Position
Supervisors often encourage strong students to remain in their current position from year to year, sometimes with growing responsibility within that same role. When this happens, it is important for the supervisor and student to revisit expectations and set clear goals for the year ahead, even though the position itself has not changed.
Students are not required to stay in their current position once their term ends, as defined by the Status Form, and may choose to pursue a new position instead. Regardless of which path a student chooses, all required documentation and forms must be completed on time, in accordance with the academic calendar.
Internal Position Changes
A student may sometimes have the opportunity to move into a different position or a higher WLS level within their current department, distinct from remaining in their existing role. Because this represents a change in position or level, it is treated the same as applying for a new position elsewhere: the new role must be posted on Handshake, and the student must apply through the standard application process outlined under Securing a New Position.
This ensures the same transparency and documentation standards apply whether a student is moving to a new department or advancing within their current one.
Readmitted Students and Students Returning from Leave of Absence
Students returning to Berea College following a Leave of Absence usually secure their own assignment for the upcoming term. As well, readmit students are responsible for locating their own assignment unless notified otherwise prior to the student's arrival.